A young theologian should pursue his studies with a disposition of humility. Scripture teaches that knowledge puffs one up. With what little knowledge he attains, a young theologian can be vain and condescending to a young believer. He enjoys rattling off abstract ideas and lofty concepts, only to shock and stunt the growth of a young believer. Thielicke warns us that knowledge is power. Truth, as he says, seduces us into a kind of joy of possession. We have comprehended something the other has not. Joy of possessing knowledge can crush love. Love is the opposite of the will to possess. It does not boast, but is giving. There are times and with certain people that we should restrain our theological concepts. Do not muddle their minds with difficult concepts which dishearten their pursuit of God. Paul understood his audience. Those who are young in the faith are fed milk, concepts that are simple to digest. It is only when they outgrow the spiritual milk does Paul begin to feed them hefty meat to consume and grow. I am learning patience with those who are younger in the faith, yet, at the same time, being submissive to those who are more spiritually discerned than I.
Studying theology should be a joy, but it must learned with a sober mind. The pursuit of knowledge has the power to either corrupt or strengthen one's faith. It can either draw us into God's presence or it can hide His face.
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